NRG Energy applies to Texas Energy Fund for nat-gas power generation

The company states: “Today, NRG Energy submitted the first of three loan applications to the Texas Energy Fund to develop the previously announced 1,600 megawatts of new quick-start natural gas power generation in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT. The TEF is administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, or PUCT. This first application is for a new 721 MW natural gas combined cycle unit at NRG’s Cedar Bayou plant in Baytown, Texas. In the coming weeks, the company plans to submit applications for two quick-start natural gas peaking projects near Houston: the 455 MW project at TH Wharton and the 456 MW unit at Greens Bayou. NRG anticipates that these three projects will be capable of supplying power to customers in under 30 minutes. Completion of these projects is contingent upon timely loan approvals from the PUCT and tax abatements by local authorities. Following approval, NRG would begin construction on two of the three facilities as early as October of this year. These plants are expected to create lasting economic and community benefits through permanent positions and hundreds of construction jobs.”